Patterned phase difference film and method for manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A pattern phase difference film is manufactured by a process including a laminate body formation step of applying a pattern alignment layer composition on a substrate to form a laminate body, a heat-drying layer formation step of heat-drying the composition to form a heat-dried layer, a pattern alignment layer formation step of irradiating a polarization pattern onto the heat-dried layer to form a pattern alignment layer, and a phase difference layer formation step of forming a phase difference layer including a rod-shaped compound on the pattern alignment layer. During the steps between the heat-drying layer formation step and the phase difference layer formation step, the heat-dried layer and the pattern alignment layer are exposed to the air for four hours or less.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/351,346, filed Apr. 11, 2014, which is in turn a U.S.National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2012/075328, filedOct. 1, 2012, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-045592, filed Mar. 1, 2012, and Japanese Patent Application No.2011-226771, filed Oct. 14, 2011. The disclosure of the priorapplications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a patterned phase difference film and amethod for producing the patterned phase difference film.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, flat panel display devices capable of performing 3D displayhave drawn much attention, and some of them are coming into the market.Since it is expected that future flat panel display devices will tend tobe naturally required to have a 3D display function, flat panel displaydevices capable of performing 3D display have been widely researched ina wide range of fields.

In general, in order to perform the 3D display in the flat panel displaydevice, a right-eye image or a left-eye image need to be selectivelyapplied to each eye of a viewer in a certain method. For example, as amethod for selectively applying the right-eye image and the left-eyeimage, a passive-type 3D display system is known. The passive-type 3Ddisplay system will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a passive-type 3Ddisplay. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in this passive-type 3D displaysystem, first, pixels constituting a flat panel display are divided intotwo types of a plurality of pixels in a pattern shape, that is, pixelsfor displaying the right-eye image and pixels for displaying theleft-eye image. The right-eye image is displayed by one group of thepixels, and the left-eye image is displayed by the other group of thepixels. In addition, by using a linearly polarizing plate and apatterned phase difference film where a phase difference layer having apattern shape corresponding to the division pattern of the pixels isformed, the right-eye image and the left-eye image are converted intocircularly polarized light beams which are perpendicular to each other.A viewer wears circular polarization glasses including circularpolarization lenses of which the directions of polarization areperpendicular to each other, attached on the right-eye lens and theleft-eye lens. The right-eye image is allowed to pass through only theright-eye lens, and the left-eye image is allowed to pass through onlythe left-eye lens. In this manner, in the passive type, 3D display canbe performed by allowing the right-eye image to enter only the right eyeand allowing the left-eye image to enter only the left eye.

In the passive type, there is an advantage in that 3D display can beeasily performed by using the above-described patterned phase differencefilm and the corresponding circular polarizing glasses.

However, although the patterned phase difference film has beennecessarily employed in the passive type as described above, thepatterned phase difference film has not been widely researched anddeveloped, and no standard technique has been established as of yet. Asan example, a patterned phase difference film including aphoto-alignment film which is formed on a substrate and of which analignment regulation force is controlled in a pattern shape and a phasedifference layer which is formed on the photo-alignment film and inwhich an arrangement of liquid crystal compound is patterned so as tocorrespond to the pattern of the photo-alignment film is proposed (referto Patent Document 1).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, PublicationNo. 2005-49865

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, during the formation of the photo-alignment film, if acomposition contained in the photo-alignment film is exposed to air, thephoto-alignment property of the photo-alignment film deteriorates.

The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-describedcircumstances and the object thereof is to provide a patterned phasedifference film having high photo-alignment property in comparison to apatterned phase difference film in the related art.

Means for Solving the Problems

The inventor of the present invention conducted thorough investigationsin order to solve the above-described problems and found out that apattern alignment layer is formed by coating a substrate with a patternalignment layer composition, heating and drying the pattern alignmentlayer composition, and irradiating the heat-dried layer with a polarizedlight pattern, and if the heat-dried layer and the pattern alignmentlayer is prevented from being exposed to air until a phase differencelayer containing a rod-like compound is formed on the pattern alignmentlayer, it is possible to prevent deterioration in photo-alignmentproperty, so that the inventors accomplished the present invention. Morespecifically, the present invention provides the following aspects.

(1): According to an aspect of the present invention, a patterned phasedifference film is provided including: a substrate; a pattern alignmentlayer which is formed on the substrate and in which an alignment patternis formed; and a phase difference layer which is formed on the patternalignment layer and contains a polymerizable liquid crystal composition,wherein black luminance at an extinction position of polarizing platesat a crossed-nicols state is 10 cd/cm² or less.

(2) According to another aspect of the present invention, an opticallaminate is provided including the patterned phase difference filmdescribed in the aspect (1).

(3) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a methodis provided for manufacturing a patterned phase difference filmincluding: forming a laminate by coating a substrate with a patternalignment layer composition for forming a pattern alignment layercontaining a photo-alignment material exhibiting a photo-alignmentproperty through irradiation of polarized light; forming a heat-driedlayer by heating and drying the pattern alignment layer compositionafter the forming of the laminate; forming a pattern alignment layerhaving a different photo-alignment property by irradiating theheat-dried layer with a polarized light pattern after forming theheat-dried layer; and forming a phase difference layer containing arod-like compound having a polymerizable functional group in a moleculeexhibiting liquid crystal characteristics on the pattern alignment layerafter the forming of the pattern alignment layer, wherein the exposuretime when the heat-dried layer and the pattern alignment layer areexposed to air is four hours or less during the processes from theforming of the heat-dried layer to the forming of the phase differencelayer.

(4) In addition, in the method for manufacturing the patterned phasedifference film described in the aspect (3), the exposure time is fourhours or less by allowing the laminate to be wound and retained in aroll shape after forming the heat-dried layer or after forming thepattern alignment layer.

(5) In addition, in the method for manufacturing the patterned phasedifference film described in the aspect (3), the exposure time is fourhours or less by continuously performing the processes from the formingof the heat-dried layer to the forming of the phase difference layer inthe same production line.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide apatterned phase difference film having high photo-alignment property incomparison to a patterned phase difference film in the related art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern alignment film.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams schematically illustrating an alignmentpattern formation process.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a patterned phase differencefilm obtained according to the manufacturing method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating processes in a case ofcontinuously manufacturing the patterned phase difference film in thesame production line.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining passive-type 3D image display.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: Pattern alignment film

2: Patterned phase difference film

11: Substrate

12: Pattern alignment layer

13: Phase difference layer

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail. However, the present invention is not limited tothe below-described embodiments, but it may be appropriately modifiedwithin the scope of the present invention.

1. Formation of Pattern Alignment Film 1

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern alignment film 1.The pattern alignment film 1 is an intermediate product of a patternedphase difference film which is to be obtained according to themanufacturing method of the present invention. The pattern alignmentfilm 1 can be obtained by performing a laminate formation process offorming a laminate by coating a substrate 11 with a pattern alignmentlayer composition for forming a pattern alignment layer containing aphoto-alignment material exhibiting photo-alignment property throughirradiation of polarized light, a heat-dried layer formation process offorming a heat-dried layer (reference numeral 12′ in FIGS. 2A and 2B) byheating and drying the pattern alignment layer composition after thelaminate formation process, and a pattern alignment layer formationprocess of forming a pattern alignment layer 12 having a differentphoto-alignment property through irradiation of a polarized lightpattern on the heat-dried layer 12′ after the heat-dried layer formationprocess. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned processes will be described.

Laminate Formation Process

In the laminate formation process, the laminate is formed by applyingthe pattern alignment layer composition for forming the patternalignment layer 12 containing the photo-alignment material exhibitingphoto-alignment property through irradiation of polarized light onto thesubstrate 11.

[Substrate 11]

The substrate 11 is a transparent film material, has a function ofsupporting the pattern alignment layer 12, and is formed in an elongatedshape.

The substrate 11 preferably has a small phase difference, and thein-plane phase difference (in-plane phase retardation value and,hereinafter, also referred to as a “Re value”) thereof is preferably inthe range of 0 nm to 10 nm, more preferably, in the range of 0 nm to 5nm, and much more preferably, in the range of 0 nm to 3 nm. If the Revalue exceeds 10 nm, display quality of a flat panel display using apattern alignment film may be deteriorated. Therefore, it is notpreferable.

Here, the Re value refers to an index indicating the degree ofbirefringence in the in-plane direction of a refractive indexanisotropic body. If the refractive index in the phase delaying axisdirection, which is the largest refractive index in the in-planedirection, is denoted by Nx, the refractive index in the phase advancingaxis direction perpendicular to the phase delaying axis direction isdenoted by Ny, and the thickness in the direction perpendicular to thein-plane direction of the refractive index anisotropic body is denotedby d, the Re value is expressed by the following equation.

Re [nm]=(Nx−Ny)×d [nm]

For example, the Re value may be measured according to a parallel-nicolsrotation method by using the phase difference measuring apparatusKOBRA-WR (produced by Oji Scientific Instruments). In addition, in thisspecification, unless there is no particular statement, the Re value isintended to be a value at a wavelength of 589 nm.

The transmittance of the substrate 11 in the visible range is preferably80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. Herein, the transmittanceof the transparent film substrate may be measured by JIS K7361-1 (TestMethod: Plastics—Determination of the total luminous transmittance oftransparent materials).

The substrate 11 is preferably a flexible material having flexibilitywhich can be wound into a roll shape. Examples of such a flexiblematerial may be cellulose derivatives, norbornene polymers,cyclo-olefin-based polymers, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol,polyimide, polyarylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone,polyether sulfone, amorphous polyolefin, modified acrylic-basedpolymers, polystyrene, epoxy resins, polycarbonate, polyesters, and thelike. Among them, in terms that the pattern alignment film havingexcellent optical isotropy and excellent optical characteristics can bemanufactured, the cellulose derivative is preferably used.

Among the cellulose derivatives, in terms of wide industrial usabilityand high availability, cellulose esters are preferably used, andcellulose acylates are more preferably used.

Lower fatty acid esters having 2 to 4 carbon atoms are preferable as thecellulose acylates. Only a single lower fatty acid ester such ascellulose acetate may be included, or a plurality of fatty acid esterssuch as cellulose acetate butyrate or cellulose acetate propionate maybe included as the lower fatty acid esters.

Among lower fatty acid esters, cellulose acetate may be veryappropriately used. TAC having an average degree of acetylation of 57.5%to 62.5% (degree of substitution: 2.6 to 3.0) is most preferably used asthe cellulose acetate. Herein, the degree of acetylation denotes theamount of a combined acetic acid per unit mass of cellulose. The degreeof acetylation may be obtained by measurement and calculation of thedegree of acetylation according to ASTM: D-817-91 (Test Method forCellulose Acetate or the like). In addition, the degree of acetylationof the TAC may be obtained by using the above-described method afterremoving impurities such as plasticizer contained in the film.

If the thickness of the substrate 11 is in a range where aself-supporting property necessary for the phase difference film can beapplied according to a purpose or the like of the phase difference filmmanufactured by using the pattern alignment film, the thickness is notparticularly limited. In general, the thickness of the substrate 11 ispreferably in the range of 25 μm to 125 μm, more preferably in the rangeof 30 μm to 100 μm, and even more preferably in the range of 40 μm to 80μm. If the thickness is less than 25 μm, there is a case where theself-supporting property necessary for the phase difference film cannotbe applied. Therefore, it is not preferable. If the thickness exceeds125 μm, in the case where the phase difference film has an elongatedshape, when obtaining a plurality of sheets of phase difference films bycutting and machining the elongated phase difference film, processingwaste may be increased, or the cutting blade may be worn fast.Therefore, it is not preferable.

The substrate 11 is not limited to the configuration where the substrateis configured with a single layer. The substrate 11 may have aconfiguration where a plurality of layers are laminated. In the casewhere the substrate 11 has a configuration where a plurality of layersare laminated, the layers having the same composition may be laminated,or the layers having different compositions may be laminated.

[Provision of Substrate 11]

If the elongated film can be continuously transported, the method ofproviding the substrate 11 is not particularly limited. The method ofusing a general transporting unit may be used. More specifically, amethod of using an unwinding machine supplying a roll-shaped elongatedfilm and a winding machine winding the elongated film, a method of usinga belt conveyor, a transporting roll, and the like may be exemplified.In addition, a method of using a floating type transporting carriage fortransporting an elongated alignment layer formation film in a floatedstate by performing air ejection and suction may be exemplified.

In addition, if an elongated film can be stably and continuouslytransported, existence of exertion of tension on the elongated filmduring the transportation is not particularly limited. However, theelongated film is preferably transported in a state where apredetermined tension is exerted. This is because it is possible toperform continuous transportation more stably.

As the color of the transporting unit, in a case where the transportingunit is arranged at a portion in which the elongated film is irradiatedwith polarized UV light, a color which does not reflect the polarized UVlight passing through the elongated film is preferable. Morespecifically, black is preferable as the color of the transporting unit.As a method of obtaining the black color, for example, a method oftreating the surface with chromium may be exemplified.

If the elongated film can be stably transported, the shape of thetransporting roll is not particularly limited. In the case where thetransporting roll is arranged at the portion in which the elongated filmis irradiated with the polarized UV light, a shape capable ofmaintaining a constant distance between the surface of the elongatedfilm and the UV light irradiation apparatus is preferable, and ingeneral, a circular shape is preferable.

[Pattern Alignment Layer Composition]

The pattern alignment layer composition contains a photo-alignmentmaterial exhibiting photo-alignment property through irradiation ofpolarized light and a solvent dissolving the photo-alignment material.

(Photo-Alignment Material)

The photo-alignment material denotes a material which can exhibit analignment regulation force through irradiation of polarized UV light.The alignment regulation force denotes a function of aligning a rod-likecompound in a predetermined direction when an alignment layer includinga photo-alignment material is formed and a layer of the rod-likecompound is formed on the alignment layer.

The photo-alignment material is not particularly limited if the materialexhibits the above-mentioned alignment regulation force throughirradiation of polarized light. The photo-alignment materials may beroughly divided into a photoisomerization material which reversiblychanges the alignment regulation force by changing only the molecularshape due to cis-trans change and a photoreactive material which changesthe molecule itself via irradiating polarized light. In the presentinvention, although either the photoisomerization material or thephotoreactive material may be appropriately used, the photoreactivematerial is more preferably used. The reason is as follows. Since thephotoreactive material reacts with the molecules through irradiation ofpolarized light to exhibit an alignment regulation force, thephotoreactive material can irreversibly exhibit the alignment regulationforce. Therefore, the photoreactive material is excellent in temporalstability of the alignment regulation force.

The photoreactive material may be further classified according to thetype of reaction generated through irradiation of polarized light. Morespecifically, the photoreactive material may be classified into aphotodimerization type material exhibiting an alignment regulation forceby generating a photodimerization reaction, a photolysis type materialexhibiting an alignment regulation force by generating a photolysisreaction, a photo-coupling type material exhibiting an alignmentregulation force by generating a photo-coupling reaction, aphotolysis-coupling type material exhibiting an alignment regulationforce by generating a photolysis reaction and a photo-coupling reaction,and the like. In the present invention, any one of the above-mentionedphotoreactive materials may be very appropriately used. In terms ofstability, reactivity (sensitivity), and the like, the photodimerizationtype material is preferably used.

If the photodimerization type material is a material which can exhibitan alignment regulation force by generating the photodimerizationreaction, the photodimerization type material is not particularlylimited. However, in terms of a good alignment regulation force, aphotodimerization type material corresponding to a wavelength of lightgenerating the photodimerization reaction which is in the range of 280nm or more is preferable; a photodimerization type materialcorresponding to the wavelength which is in the range of 280 nm to 400nm is more preferable; and a photodimerization type materialcorresponding to the wavelength which is in the range of 300 nm to 380nm is even more preferable.

As photodimerization material, a polymer having cinnamate, coumarin,benzylidene phthalimidine, benzylidene acetophenone, diphenylacetylene,stilbazole, uracil, quinolinone, maleic imide, or a cinnamylidene aceticacid derivative may be exemplified. Among them, in terms of a goodalignment regulation force, a polymer containing one or both ofcinnamate and coumarin is preferably used. As specific examples of thephotodimerization type material, compounds disclosed in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 9-118717, PCT PatentPublication No. 10-506420, PCT Patent Publication No. 2003-505561, WO2010/150748, WO 2011/126019, WO 2011/126021, and WO 2011/126022 may beexemplified.

The cinnamate and the coumarin expressed by the following ChemicalFormulas Ia and Ib may be very appropriately used.

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, A representspyrimidine-2,5-diyl, pyridine-2,5-diyl, 2,5-thiophenylene,2,5-furanylene, 1,4-or 2,6-naphthylene or represents phenylene which isunsubstituted or mono- or poly-substituted by fluorine, chlorine, orcyclic, straight-chain, or branched-chain alkyl residue having 1 to 18carbon atoms (unsubstituted, mono- or poly-substituted by fluorine orchlorine, or one or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups may be independentlysubstituted by a group C.)

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, B represents a hydrogen atom orrepresents a second substance, for example, a polymer, an oligomer, amonomer, a photoactive polymer, or a group capable of reacting orinteracting with a photoactive oligomer and/or a photoactive monomer orsurface.

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, C represents a group selectedfrom —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—, —CO—NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—O—,—O—CO—NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—NR₁—, —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—CO—O—, andSi(CH₃)₂—O—Si(CH₃)₂— (R₁ represent a hydrogen atom or lower alkyl).

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, D represents a group selectedfrom —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—, —CO—NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—O—,—O—CO—NR₁—, —NR₁—CO—NR₁—, —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—CO—O—, andSi(CH₃)₂—O—Si(CH₃)₂— (R₁ represent a hydrogen atom or lower alkyl), anaromatic group, or an alicyclic group.

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, S₁ and S₂ independentlyrepresent single-bond alkeylene groups or straight-chain or branchedchain alkeylene groups having 1 to 40 carbon atoms as spacer units(unsubstituted, mono- or poly-substituted by fluorine or chlorine, orone or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups may be independently substitutedby a group D).

In the above-described formula, Q represents an oxygen atom or NR₁— (R₁represents a hydrogen atom or lower alkyl).

In the above-mentioned Chemical Formula, X and Y independently representhydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, cyano, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms(in some cases, substituted by fluorine or in some cases, one or morenon-adjacent alkyl-CH₂— groups are substituted by —O—, —CO—O—, or —O—CO—and/or CH═CH—).

In addition, only one type of the photo-alignment material according tothe present invention may be used, or two or more types of thephoto-alignment materials may be used.

(Solvent)

If a solvent used for the pattern alignment layer composition candissolve the photo-alignment material and the like at a desiredconcentration, the solvent is not particularly limited. As an example ofthe solvent, hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene and hexane, ketonesolvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, andcyclohexanone (hereinafter, referred to as “CHN”), ether solvents suchas tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and propylene glycol monoethylether (PGME), alkyl halide solvents such as chloroform anddichloromethane, ester solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate,butyl acetate, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, amidesolvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide, sulfoxide solvents such asdimethyl sulfoxide, anone solvents such as cyclohexane, alcohol solventssuch as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol (hereinafter, referredto as “IPA”), and the like may be exemplified, but it is not limitedthereto. In addition, one type of the solvent may be used, or a mixtureof two or more types of the solvents may be used.

The amount of the solvent is preferably in the range of 600 parts bymass or more and 3900 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts bymass of the photo-alignment material. If the amount of the solvent isless than 600 parts by mass, there is a possibility that thephoto-alignment material is not uniformly dissolved. Therefore, it isnot preferable. If the amount of the solvent exceeds 3900 parts by mass,some portion of the solvent remains, and, when the substrate is coatedwith the pattern alignment layer composition, the remaining solventpermeates into the substrate. As a result, the photo-alignment propertyand the adherence with respect to the TAC substrate may be deteriorated.Therefore, it is not preferable.

(Adhesion Enhancer)

In addition, although an adhesion enhancer is not a necessary component,the pattern alignment layer composition according to the presentinvention preferably contains the adhesion enhancer. When the substrateis coated with the pattern alignment layer composition, the adhesionenhancer reacts with the substrate to roughen the surface of thesubstrate, so that the adhesion enhancer has a function of improving theadherence between the substrate and the alignment layer configured withthe cured material of the pattern alignment layer composition.

As an example of the adhesion enhancer, a multi-functional acrylate suchas pentaerythritol tetra acrylate (hereinafter, referred to as “PETA”)may be exemplified.

In the case of using PETA or the like as the adhesion enhancer, theamount of the adhesion enhancer is preferably 25 parts by mass or lesswith respect to a total of 100 parts by mass of the photo-alignmentmaterial. Since the evaporation rate of PETA is slower than theevaporation rate of PGME, if the amount of the adhesion enhancer exceeds25 parts by mass, a portion of the solvent permeates into the substratewhen the substrate is coated with the pattern alignment layercomposition. As a result, the photo-alignment property may bedeteriorated. Therefore, it is not preferable.

(Others)

If necessary, various types of additive agent may be included.

[Coating of Pattern Alignment Layer Composition]

If the heat-dried layer 12′ having the desired thickness can be formedon the substrate 11 by a method of coating the pattern alignment layercomposition, the method is not particularly limited. As a method ofcoating the pattern alignment layer composition, a gravure coatingmethod, a reverse coating method, a knife coating method, a dip coatingmethod, a spray coating method, an air knife coating method, a spincoating method, a roll coating method, a printing method, an immersingincreasing method, a curtain coating method, a die coating method, acasting method, a bar coating method, an extrusion coating method, anE-type coating method, and the like may be exemplified.

If the thickness of the heat-dried layer 12′ is in the range wheredesired flatness can be obtained, the thickness is not particularlylimited. However, the thickness of the heat-dried layer 12′ ispreferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 50 μm, more preferably in the rangeof 0.1 μm to 30 μm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to10 μm.

Heat-Dried Layer Formation Process

In the heat-dried layer formation process, after the laminate formationprocess, the heat-dried layer 12′ is formed by heating and drying thepattern alignment layer composition.

The heating and drying temperature is preferably in the range of 100° C.or more and 130° C. or less. If the temperature is less than 100° C.,there is the possibility that the composition is not uniformlythermally-cured and the thin film does not become uniform. Therefore, itis not preferable. If the temperature exceeds 130° C., there is thepossibility that the substrate 11 or the thin film is contracted.Therefore, it is not preferable.

Pattern Alignment Layer Formation Process

In a pattern alignment layer formation process, the pattern alignmentlayer 12 having a different photo-alignment property is formed byirradiating the heat-dried layer 12′ with a polarized light patternafter the heat-dried layer formation process.

The UV light irradiation process of irradiating the heat-dried layer 12′with UV light will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and2B.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, by irradiating the heat-dried layer12′ with linearly polarized UV light (polarized UV light) by using amask which does not block the first alignment preparation area 12′Acorresponding to the right-eye area and but blocks only the secondalignment preparation area 12′B corresponding to the left-eye area, thenon-blocked first alignment preparation area 12′A is aligned in thedesired direction. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, byirradiating the entire surface of the heat-dried layer 12′ with linearlypolarized UV light the polarization direction of which is different by90 degrees from that of the first irradiation, the second alignmentpreparation area 12′B which is not exposed in the first irradiation isaligned in the desired direction. The two types of the alignmentpatterns are formed by performing UV light irradiation two times.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, first, the firstalignment preparation area 12′A is irradiated with polarized UV light,and subsequently, the second alignment preparation area 12′B isirradiated with polarized UV light. However, the order of irradiation isnot limited thereto. First, the second alignment preparation area 12′Bmay be irradiated with polarized UV light, and subsequently, the firstalignment preparation area 12′A may be irradiated with polarized UVlight.

If the pattern of the mask, that is, the pattern of the patternirradiation is a pattern capable of stably forming the first alignmentarea 12A (refer to FIG. 1) corresponding to the right-eye area and thesecond alignment area 12B (refer to FIG. 1) corresponding to theleft-eye area, the pattern is not particularly limited. For example, astripe shaped pattern, a mosaic pattern, a staggered arrangementpattern, and the like may be exemplified. Among them, a stripe shapedpattern is preferable. Particularly, a stripe shaped pattern where thestripes are parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of theelongated film is preferable. In other words, as the patternirradiation, irradiation of polarized UV light on the stripe shapedpattern where the stripes are parallel to each other in the longitudinaldirection of the elongated film is preferable. This is because theirradiation position of the polarized UV light is fixed, so that it ispossible to easily form the pattern by transporting the elongated filmin the longitudinal direction. In addition, this is because it ispossible to perform irradiation in the shape of the pattern with highaccuracy. In addition, this is because the pattern where the first phasedifference area 4A corresponding to the right-eye area and the secondphase difference area 4B corresponding to the left-eye area in the phasedifference layer 13 are formed and the pattern where the pixels areformed in the color filters or the like used for the display apparatusare easily configured to be in correspondence to each other.

The pattern widths of the mask, that is, irradiation widths andirradiation intervals (non-irradiation width) of polarized UV light maybe equal to or different from each other. However, the width of the areacorresponding to the right-eye area and the width of the areacorresponding to the left-eye area are preferably equal to each other.The reason is as follows. The pattern where the first phase differencearea 4A and the second phase difference area 4B in the phase differencelayer 13 are formed and the pattern where the pixels are formed areeasily configured to be in correspondence to each other. As a result, itis possible to easily manufacture the flat panel display. In the case ofpositioning the stripe lines of the color filter, irradiation ispreferably performed with such a width that the pattern where the areacorresponding to the right-eye area and the area corresponding to theleft-eye area are formed and the stripe pattern of the color filter areconfigured to be in correspondence to each other.

For the purpose of 3D display, the pattern width is preferably in therange of 50 μm to 1000 μm, and more preferably in the range of 100 μm to800 μm. In addition, the pattern width denotes the pattern width of thepattern alignment layer 12 in the state that the substrate 11 includedin the phase difference film 2 is stably contracted.

If the desired opening can be formed in the mask, the materialconstituting the mask is not particularly limited. Metal, quartz, or thelike which are rarely deteriorated by UV light may be given as examplesof the material constituting the mask. More specifically, a materialobtained by patterning a metal substrate such as SUS through an etchingprocess, a laser process, or an electroforming process and, ifnecessary, applying surface treatment such as nickel plating may beused. In addition, a material having a light shielding film configuredwith emulsion (silver salt) or chromium on a substrate configured withsoda lime glass or quartz may be used.

Among them, a material obtained by patterning synthetic quartz with Cris preferable. The reason is as follows. Since stability of dimensionaccording to a change in temperature, humidity or the like, and UV lighttransmittance are excellent, the heat-dried layer 12′ constructed withthe cured material of the pattern alignment layer composition isirradiated with UV light with high accuracy. As a result, it is possibleto form the pattern alignment layer 12 with a high accuracy.

If the pattern can be formed with high accuracy of dimension, thethickness of the synthetic quartz mask is not particularly limited. Thethickness of the synthetic quartz mask is preferably in the range of 1mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 5 mm to 18 mm, and evenmore preferably in the range of 9 mm to 16 mm. The reason is as follows.Since the thickness is set to be in the above-mentioned ranges, aflexure can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a highaccuracy of dimension, and it is not too heavy in handling as aphotomask.

If the polarization direction of the polarized UV light with respect tothe area corresponding to the right-eye area and the polarizationdirection of the polarized UV light with respect to the areacorresponding to the left-eye area are different from each other, thepolarization directions of the polarized UV light are not particularlylimited. It is preferable that the polarization directions be differentfrom each other by 90 degrees. The reason is as follows. The directions(directions of the phase retardation axes) in which the refractive indexbetween the first phase difference area 4A and the second phasedifference area 4B is most increased are perpendicular to each other, sothat it is possible to more appropriately manufacture a displayapparatus capable of performing 3D display.

When the display apparatus capable of performing 3D display is formed byusing the pattern alignment film 1, if the 3D display can be performedwith a high accuracy, the “directions which are different by 90 degrees”are not particularly limited. In general, the directions are preferablyin the range of 90°±3°, more preferably in the range of about 90°±2°,and even more preferably in the range of about 90°±1°. This is becauseit is possible to configure a display apparatus capable of performing 3Ddisplay with high performance.

The polarized UV light may be condensed or may not be condensed. In thecase where the pattern irradiation is performed on the elongated film onthe transporting roll, that is, in the case where there is a differencein distance from the light source for the polarized UV light in the areairradiated with the polarized UV light, light condensing in thetransporting direction is preferably performed. The reason is asfollows. The influence caused by the distance from the light source isreduced, so that it is possible to form the alignment area with highpattern accuracy.

As a generally used condensing method, a method of using a condensingreflection mirror or condensing lens having the desired shape may beexemplified. In the present invention, it is preferable that thepolarized UV light becomes parallel light in the direction (widthdirection) perpendicular to the transporting direction. As a generallyused paralleling method, a method of using a condensing reflectionmirror or condensing lens having the desired shape may be exemplified.

The wavelength of the polarized UV light is appropriately set accordingto the photo-alignment material or the like. The wavelength may be setto a wavelength used for allowing a general photo-alignment material toexhibit an alignment regulation force. More specifically, the wavelengthof the irradiation light is in the range of 210 nm to 380 nm, preferablyin the range of 230 nm to 380 nm, and more preferably in the range of250 nm to 380 nm.

As a UV light source, a low pressure mercury lamp (a germicidal lamp, afluorescent chemical lamp, a black light), a high pressure dischargelamp (a high pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp), a short arcdischarge lamp (an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, amercury xenon lamp), and the like may be exemplified. Among them, themetal halide lamp, the xenon lamp, the high pressure mercury lamp, andthe like may be preferably used.

If the method of generating the polarized UV light is a method of stablyirradiating the polarized UV light, the method of generating thepolarized UV light is not particularly limited. A method of irradiatingwith UV light through a polarizer passing only the light which ispolarized in a certain direction may be used.

A polarizer which is generally used for generating polarized light maybe used as the above-mentioned polarizer. For example, a method ofseparating polarized light by using a wire grid polarizer having aslit-shaped opening, a method for separating polarized light bylaminating a plurality of quartz plates with the use of Brewster angle,a method of separating polarized light with the use of Brewster angle ofa deposited multilayer film having different refractive indexes, and thelike may be exemplified.

If an alignment area having the desired alignment regulation force canbe formed by the irradiation amount of the polarized UV light, theirradiation amount of the polarized UV light is not particularlylimited. For example, in the case where the wavelength is 310 nm, theirradiation amount is preferably in the range of 5 mJ/cm² to 500 mJ/cm²,more preferably in the range of 7 mJ/cm² to 300 mJ/cm², and even morepreferably in the range of 10 mJ/cm² to 100 mJ/cm². This is because itis possible to form the alignment area having a sufficient alignmentregulation force.

If each exposure process can be performed by the above-mentionedirradiation amounts, the irradiation distance of the polarized UV light,that is, the distance in the transporting direction of the elongatedfilm irradiated with the polarized UV light is not particularly limited.The irradiation distance may be appropriately set according to the linespeed, or the like. If the irradiation distance is short, there is anadvantage in that it is easy to increase the pattern accuracy. If theirradiation distance is long, even in the case where the line speed ishigh, there is an advantage in that it is possible to obtain thealignment area having a sufficient alignment regulation force. Inaddition, as a method of increasing the irradiation distance, a methodof performing irradiation of polarized UV light several times in eachexposure process or a method of widening the irradiation area in thetransporting direction may be exemplified.

It is preferable that the temperature be adjusted so that thetemperature of the thin film is constant when the thin film isirradiated with the polarized UV light. This is because it is possibleto form the alignment area with high accuracy. The temperature of thethin film is preferably in the range of 15° C. to 90° C., and morepreferably in the range of 15° C. to 60° C. As a temperature adjustingmethod, a method of using a temperature adjustment apparatus such as ageneral heating/cooling apparatus may be exemplified. Specifically, amethod of using an air blower capable of blowing air of a predeterminedtemperature or a method of using a temperature-adjustable transportingunit as the transporting unit may be exemplified. More specifically, amethod of using a temperature-adjustable transport roll or belt conveyeror the like may be exemplified.

If the thickness of the pattern alignment layer 12 is in the range wherethe desired alignment regulation force with respect to the rod-likecompound can be exhibited, the thickness is not particularly limited.However, the thickness is preferably in the range of 100 nm to 1000 nm.If the thickness of the pattern alignment layer 12 is less than 100 nm,there is a possibility that the desired alignment regulation force withrespect to the rod-like compound cannot be exhibited. Therefore, it isnot preferable. If the thickness of the pattern alignment layer 12exceeds 1000 nm, there is a possibility that the adhesive force isreduced. Therefore, it is not preferable.

2. Formation of Phase Difference Film 2

After the pattern alignment film 1 is formed, the phase difference film2 is formed by further performing the following processes. First, aphase difference layer formation coating solution coating process ofcoating the pattern alignment layer 12 of the pattern alignment film 1with the phase difference layer formation coating solution containingthe rod-like compound is performed to form the phase difference layerformation layer. After that, an alignment process of aligning therod-like compound in an alignment direction different to the alignmentdirection of the first alignment area 12A corresponding to the right-eyearea and the alignment direction of the second alignment area 12Bcorresponding to the left-eye area, which are included in the patternalignment layer 12, is performed on the rod-like compound included inthe coated film of the phase difference layer formation coatingsolution. The phase difference layer 13 is formed by the process.

Finally, a cutting process of cutting the film to the desired size isperformed. The phase difference film 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 ismanufactured though the above-described processes.

Phase Difference Layer Formation Coating Solution Coating Process

If the phase difference layer formation coating solution coating methodis a method capable of stably forming the coated film of the phasedifference layer formation coating solution on the pattern alignmentlayer 12, the coating method is not particularly limited. The samemethod as described in the composition coating process may beexemplified.

[Phase Difference Layer 13]

The phase difference layer 13 includes a rod-like compound having apolymerizable functional group in a molecule and exhibiting liquidcrystal characteristics. Since the phase difference layer 13 is formedalong the alignment pattern, the phase difference layer 13 includes afirst phase difference area 4A corresponding to the right-eye area and asecond phase difference area 4B corresponding to the left-eye area.

(Rod-Like Compound)

As an example of the rod-like compound, a liquid crystal material may beexemplified. The liquid crystal material has refractive indexanisotropy, and the liquid crystal materials are regularly arrangedaccording to the alignment pattern, so that the liquid crystal materialhas the function of applying the desired phase difference property tothe phase difference layer 13. As a liquid crystal material, materialsexhibiting a liquid crystal phase such as a nematic phase or a smecticphase may be exemplified. In terms of easiness of regular arrangement incomparison to liquid crystal materials exhibiting different liquidcrystal phases, the liquid crystal material exhibiting a nematic phaseis more preferably used.

As a liquid crystal material exhibiting the nematic phase, a materialhaving spacers at two mesogenic ends is preferably used. The reason isas follows. Since the liquid crystal material having spacers at twomesogenic ends is excellent in flexibility, it is possible to allow thephase difference film 2 to have excellent transparency by using such aliquid crystal material.

In addition, a liquid crystal material having a polymerizable functionalgroup in the molecule is preferable, and a liquid crystal materialhaving a three-dimensionally cross-linkable polymerizable functionalgroup is more preferable. The reason is as follows. Due to the liquidcrystal material having a polymerizable functional group, since theliquid crystal material can be polymerized to be fixed, it is possibleto obtain excellent arrangement stability, and it is possible to obtaina phase difference layer 13 the phase difference property of which isnot easily changed as time elapses.

Herein, the phrase “three dimensional cross-link” denotes the state of amesh (network) structure formed by three-dimensionally polymerizingliquid crystal molecules with each other.

As the above-mentioned polymerizable functional group, a polymerizablefunctional group which polymerizes via an ionizing radiation such as UVlight and electron beams, or thermal action may be exemplified. Asrepresentative examples of the polymerizable functional group, a radicalpolymerizable functional group, a cationic polymerizable functionalgroup, and the like may be given. In addition, as representativeexamples of the radical polymerizable functional group, a functionalgroup having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenicallyunsaturated double bond may be given. As specific examples thereof, avinyl group having or not having a substituent, an acrylate group (ageneral term including an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, anacryloyloxy group, and a methacryloyloxy group), and the like may begiven. In addition, as specific examples of the cationic polymerizablefunctional group, an epoxy group and the like are given. Other examplesof polymerizable functional groups include an isocyanate group and anunsaturated triple bond. Among them, in terms of a process, a functionalgroup having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is very preferablyused.

Furthermore, a liquid crystal material having the polymerizablefunctional group at an end is particularly preferable. The reason is asfollows. Due to the use of such a liquid crystal material, since a mesh(network) structure state can be obtained by, for example,three-dimensionally polymerizing the liquid crystal molecules, it ispossible to obtain arrangement stability, and it is possible to form thephase difference layer having arrangement stability and excellence inexhibiting optical characteristics. In addition, in the presentinvention, even in the case of using a liquid crystal material having apolymerizable functional group at one end, the liquid crystal materialis cross-linked to other molecules, so that it is possible to obtainarrangement stability.

As specific examples of the liquid crystal material used in the presentinvention, compounds represented by the following Chemical Formulas (1)to (17) may be given.

In addition, only one type of the liquid crystal material may be used,or a mixture of two or more types of liquid crystal material may beused. For example, if a mixture of a liquid crystal material having oneor more polymerizable functional groups at two ends and a liquid crystalmaterial having one or more polymerizable functional groups at one endis used as a liquid crystal material, the mixture of the liquid crystalmaterials is preferable in terms of the fact that polymerization density(crosslinking density) and optical properties can be arbitrary adjustedby adjusting the mixing ratio of the two liquid crystal materials. Inaddition, in terms of securing reliability, a liquid crystal materialhaving one or more polymerizable functional groups at two ends ispreferable. However, in terms of liquid crystal alignment, it ispreferable that one polymerizable functional group be at each of the twoends.

If the viscosity of the phase difference layer formation coatingsolution can be set to the desired value according to the coating methodof coating the pattern alignment layer 12, the amount of the liquidcrystal material is not particularly limited. However, the amount of theliquid crystal material in the coating solution is preferably in therange of 5 parts by mass to 40 parts by mass and more preferably in therange of 10 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass. If the amount of theliquid crystal material is less than 5 parts by mass, the amount of theliquid crystal material is too small, so that there is a possibilitythat the light incident on the phase difference layer 13 is notappropriately aligned. Therefore, it is not preferable. If the amount ofthe liquid crystal material exceeds 30 parts by mass, the viscosity ofthe phase difference layer formation coating solution is too high, sothat the workability is deteriorated. Therefore, it is not preferable.

If the thickness of the phase difference layer 13 is in the range wherea predetermined phase difference property can be obtained, the thicknessis not particularly limited. It is preferable that the in-plane phasedifference of the phase difference layer 13 correspond to λ/4. Herein, λis a wavelength of 550 nm. Accordingly, since linearly polarized lightbeams passing through the phase difference layer 13 can be convertedinto circularly polarized light beams of which the directions ofpolarization are perpendicular to each other, it is possible to displaya 3D image with a higher accuracy.

(Polymerization Initiator)

In the case of using a rod-like compound as a polymerizable liquidcrystal material, it is preferable that a polymerization initiator beadded although the polymerization initiator is not a necessary componentof the present invention.

As a polymerization initiator, a combination of a photoreduction dyesuch as benzophenone, o-benzoyl benzoic acid methyl,4,4-bis(dimethylamine)benzophenone, 4,4-bis(diethylamine)benzophenone,α-amino-acetophenone, 4,4-dichloro benzophenone, 4-benzoyl-4-methyldiphenyl ketone, dibenzyl ketone, fluorenone, 2,2-diethoxy acetophenone,2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone,p-tert-butyl acetophenone, thioxanthone, 2-methylthioxanthone,2-chlorothioxanthone, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, diethylthioxanthone,benzyl dimethyl ketal, benzyl methoxyethyl acetal, benzoin methyl ether,benzoin butyl ether, anthraquinone, 2-tert-butyl anthraquinone, 2-amylanthraquinone, β-chloro-anthraquinone, anthrone, benzanthrone,dibenzosuberone, methylene anthrone, 4-azidobenzyl acetophenone,2,6-bis(p-azidobenzylidene)cyclohexane,2,6-bis(p-azidobenzylidene)-4-methylcyclohexanone,2-phenyl-1,2-butadione-2(o-methoxycarbonyl)oxime,1-phenyl-propanedione-2-(o-ethoxycarbonyl)oxime,1,3-diphenyl-propanetrione-2-(o-ethoxycarbonyl)oxime,1-phenyl-3-ethoxy-propan-trione-2-(o-benzoyl)oxime, Michler's ketone,2-methyl-1 [4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopuropan 1-on,2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone, naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, quinoline sulfonyl chloride, and n-phenylthioacridone, 4-azobisisobutyronitrile, diphenyl disulfide,benzothiazole disulfide, triphenylphosphine, camphorquinone, N1717manufactured by Adeka Corporation, tetrabromomethane, tribromophenylsulfone, benzoyl peroxide, eosin, methylene blue, and a reducing agentsuch as an ascorbic acid and triethanolamine may be exemplified. In thepresent invention, one type or a combination of two or more types of thepolymerization initiators may be used.

In the case of using the above-mentioned polymerization initiator, apolymerization initiator aid may be further used together with thepolymerization initiator. As the polymerization initiator aid, tertiaryamines such as triethanolamine and methyl diethanolamine and benzoicacid derivatives such as 2-dimethylamino ethyl benzoate and4-dimethylamide ethyl benzoate may be exemplified, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto.

(Solvent)

In addition, generally, a solvent is used to dissolve theabove-mentioned liquid crystal material. As long as a solvent canuniformly dissolve or disperse a liquid crystal material, the solvent isnot particularly limited. For example, hydrocarbon solvents such asbenzene and hexane, Ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, methylisobutyl ketone, and cyclohexanone, ether solvents such astetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and propylene glycol monoethylether (PGME), alkyl halide solvents such as chloroform anddichloromethane, ester solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate,butyl acetate, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, amidesolvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide, sulfoxide solvents such asdimethyl sulfoxide, anone solvents such as cyclohexane, and alcoholsolvents such as methanol, ethanol, and propanol may be used. Inaddition, one type of the solvent may be used, or a mixture of two ormore types of the solvents may be used.

(Other Compounds)

In addition, other compounds may be added within a range where thearrangement order of the liquid crystal material is not detracted. Asthe other compounds, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizationinhibitor, a plasticizer, a surfactant, a silane coupling agent, and thelike may be exemplified.

(Thickness of Phase difference Layer 13)

By containing the rod-like compound, the phase difference layer 13exhibits the phase difference property, so that the degree of phasedifference property is determined based on the type of the rod-likecompound and the thickness of the phase difference layer 13. Therefore,if the thickness of the phase difference layer 13 is in the range wherea predetermined phase difference property can be obtained, the thicknessis not particularly limited. The thickness of the phase difference layer13 is appropriately determined according to the purpose or the like ofthe phase difference film 2.

The thickness of the phase difference layer formation layer configuredwith the phase difference layer formation coating solution is preferablyapplied in the range where the in-plane phase difference of the phasedifference layer 13 which is to be formed later corresponds to λ/4. Thereason is as follows. Namely, linearly polarized light beams passingthrough the first phase difference area 4A and the second phasedifference area 4B can be converted into circularly polarized lightbeams which have a different rotation direction to each other, so thatit is possible to display a 3D image with higher accuracy.

In the case where the thickness of the phase difference layer 13 is setto be a distance in a range where the in-plane phase difference of thephase difference layer 13 corresponds to λ/4, the specific value of thedistance is appropriately determined according to the type of therod-like compound. In the case of using a general rod-like compound, thedistance is in the range of 0.5 μm to 2 μm. However, the distance is notlimited thereto.

Alignment Process

In the alignment process, the rod-like compound included in the coatedfilm of the phase difference layer formation coating solution is alignedaccording to the different alignment directions of the first and secondalignment areas 12A and 12B included in the pattern alignment layer 12.If the method of aligning the rod-like compound is a method capable ofaligning the rod-like compound in the desired direction, the method isnot particularly limited. For example, a method of heating the rod-likecompound up to a liquid crystal phase formation temperature or more maybe given.

The pattern of the phase difference layer 13 formed by the processbecomes the same as the pattern of the pattern alignment layer 12.Therefore, the first phase difference area 4A corresponding to theright-eye area is formed on the first alignment area 12A correspondingto the right-eye area, and the second phase difference area 4Bcorresponding to the left-eye area is formed on the second alignmentarea 12B corresponding to the left-eye area.

Whether or not the first phase difference area 4A and the second phasedifference area 4B are formed on the phase difference layer 13 can beevaluated, for example, by inserting a sample into light passed throughpolarizing plates in a crossed-nicols state and checking the existenceof inversion of bright lines and dark lines when rotating the sample. Inthis case, if the pattern configured with the right-eye areas A and theleft-eye areas B is fine, the observation may be performed by using apolarizing microscope. In addition, the direction (angle) of the phasedelaying axis in each pattern may be measured by using an AxoScan(produced by AXOMETRICS in the USA).

The in-plane phase difference value of the phase difference layer 13 ispreferably in the range of 100 nm to 160 nm, more preferably in therange of 110 nm to 150 nm, much more preferably in the range of 115 nmto 135 nm. In addition, in the phase difference layer 13, the in-planephase difference exhibited by the first phase difference area 4A and thesecond phase difference area 4B are almost equal to each other exceptthat the directions of the phase retardation axes are different.

Drying Process

Subsequently, the coating film of the phase difference layer formationcoating solution is dried.

As a coating film drying method, a generally used drying method such asa heating drying method, a vacuum drying method, and a gap drying methodmay be used. In addition, the drying method is not limited to only asingle method. A plurality of drying methods may be employed in themanner so that the drying methods are sequentially changed, for example,according to the amount of remaining solvent.

In addition, as a coating film drying method, a method of applying adrying wind to the coating film the temperature of which is adjusted tobe a certain value can be used. In the case of using the above-mentioneddrying method, the speed of the drying wind applied to the coating filmis preferably 3 m/s or less, and particularly preferably 0.5 m/s orless.

In addition, as the temperature condition, the temperature is preferablein the range of 40° C. to 150° C., more preferably in the range of 50°C. to 120° C., and particularly preferably in the range of 55° C. to110° C. In addition, the drying time is preferably in the range of 0.2to 30 minutes, more preferably in the range of 0.5 minutes to 20minutes, and particularly preferably in the range of 1 minute to 10minutes. The reason is as follows. Due to the above-mentionedconditions, it is possible to stably remove the solvent, and it ispossible to obtain heat enough to align the liquid crystal molecules.

As the timing of performing the drying process, the drying process maybe performed after the alignment process or in parallel with thealignment process.

Rod-Like Compound Curing Process

In the case where the rod-like compound is a polymerizable material, acuring process of polymerizing and curing the polymerizable rod-likecompound may be included. In addition, a method of polymerizing apolymerizable rod-like compound may be arbitrarily determined accordingto the type of the polymerizable functional group having a polymerizablerod-like compound. However, a curing method using irradiation of actinicradiation is preferable. If the actinic radiation is radiation capableof polymerizing a polymerizable rod-like compound, the actinic radiationis not particularly limited. Generally, in terms of availability or thelike of an apparatus, UV light or visible light is preferably used. Morespecifically, the same UV light as used for forming the patternalignment layer 12 may be used. Due to the curing process, since a mesh(network) structure state can be obtained by polymerization, it ispossible to obtain arrangement stability, and it is possible to form thephase difference layer 13 capable of excellently exhibiting opticalcharacteristics.

Exposure Time

In the present invention, during the process after the heat-dried layer12′ is formed until the phase difference layer 13 is formed, theexposure time when the heat-dried layer 12′ and the pattern alignmentlayer 12 are exposed to air is four hours or less. The exposure time ispreferably one hour or less. If the exposure time exceeds four hours,the alignment property of the phase difference film 2 may bedeteriorated. Therefore, it is not preferable.

As a first aspect for suppressing the exposure time down to four hoursor less, a method of winding a laminate configured with the substrateand the heat-dried layer 12′ or the pattern alignment layer 12 around aroll after the formation of the heat-dried layer 12′ or after theformation of the pattern alignment layer 12 may be exemplified. Themethod of winding the laminate around a roll is not particularlylimited. More specifically, a method of allowing the coating surface andthe rear surface to be in direct contact with each other, a methodallowing the coating surface and the rear surface not to be in directcontact with each other by inserting an intermediate paper, and the likemay be exemplified.

In the case where roll shaping is performed, although the procedureproceeds to the next process when a time (for example, 10 hours)exceeding four hours elapses after the roll shaping, it is possible toobtain a high alignment property. This is very appropriate in the casewhere (A) a coating apparatus of coating with a pattern alignment layercomposition and (B) an apparatus used for forming a phase differencelayer containing a rod-like compound are not installed in the sameproduction line and the phase difference film 2 cannot be continuouslyproduced. In the case where the roll shaping is not performed, themanufacturing plan needs to be set so as to sequentially use both theapparatus associated with (A) and the apparatus associated with (B). Onthe other hand, if the roll shaping is performed, in the case when theroll shaping is not being performed, even at the time when the phasedifference layer 13 is to be formed by operating the apparatusassociated with (B), other products may be manufactured by using theapparatus, and after that, the phase difference layer 13 can be formed.For this reason, the production line is very easy to plan, so that it ispossible to greatly improve the operation rate.

As a second aspect for suppressing the exposure time down to four hoursor less, a method of continuously performing the processes in the sameproduction line after the heat-dried layer 12′ is formed until the phasedifference layer 13 is formed is exemplified.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case of continuouslyperforming the processes in the same production line after theheat-dried layer 12′ is formed until the phase difference layer 13 isformed.

(A) First, the substrate 11 is provided from the elongated film woundaround the roll 31, and the substrate 11 is coated with a patternalignment layer composition 32.

(B) Subsequently, the heat-dried layer 12′ is formed to be in athin-film state by thermally curing the composition by using a dryer 33.

(C) Subsequently, the heat-dried layer 12′ is irradiated with UV lightemitted from UV light irradiation apparatuses 34, 35.

(D) Subsequently, the phase difference layer formation layer is formedby coating with the phase difference layer formation coating solutionsupplied from a phase difference layer formation coating solution supplyapparatus 36.

(E) Next, by heating the rod-like compound contained in the coating filmof the phase difference layer formation coating solution up to theliquid crystal phase formation temperature or more by using a dryer 37,the rod-like compound is aligned along the alignment direction which isdifferent from the first alignment area 12A corresponding to theright-eye area and the second alignment area 12B corresponding to theleft-eye area included in the pattern alignment layer 12. Through theprocess, the phase difference layer formation layer is converted intothe phase difference layer 13.

(F) Next, the polymerizable rod-like compound is polymerized and curedby using a UV light irradiation apparatus 38.

(G) Next, after the film is wound around the winding roll 39, a cuttingprocess of cutting the film to the desired size is performed. Throughthe process, the phase difference film 2 is manufactured.

Very Appropriate Example of Use

The phase difference film 2 is very appropriately used for a flat paneldisplay for 3D display. If the phase difference film 2 is used for theflat panel display for 3D display, it is possible to obtain a particulareffect in that the photo-alignment property and adherence with respectto the substrate 11 are excellent.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more in detail byusing examples. However, the present invention is not limited to thefollowing examples.

TABLE 1 From irradiation of Time from heating and polarized UV light toShape after drying to irradiation coating with rod-like Substrateheating and drying of light pattern compound Example 1 TAC Sheet shape 1hour  Just after Example 2 TAC Sheet shape 4 hours Just after Example 3TAC Roll shape 1 hour  Just after Example 4 TAC Roll shape 4 hours Justafter Example 5 TAC Roll shape 10 hours  Just after Example 6 TAC — Justafter Just after Example 7 Alkyl polymer Roll shape 1 hour  Just afterComparative TAC Sheet shape 10 hours  Just after Example 1 ComparativeTAC Sheet shape 1 hour  4 hours Example 2

Example 1

100 parts by mass of a photo-alignment material having photodimerizationportions and thermal crosslinked portions (product name: ROP-103,produced by Rolic Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in 900 parts by mass of amixed solvent of PGME, IPA, and CHN so that a pattern alignment layercomposition according to Example 1 was obtained. The ratio of PGME, IPA,and CHN in the mixed solvent was 75:20:5 by volume.

Next, the rear surface of the TAC substrate (product name: TD60UL-P,thickness 60 μm, produced by Fuji Film Co., Ltd.) the front surface ofwhich had antiglare treatment, was coated with the pattern alignmentlayer composition by using a die coating method so that the filmthickness after curing was 200 nm. Next, by heating at 100° C. for 2minutes, the solvent was allowed to evaporate and the acrylic resincomposition was allowed to be thermally cured. Accordingly, a cured filmhaving a thickness of 200 nm was formed.

After the cured film was retained in a sheet shape for one hour, thecured film was irradiated with polarized UV light (polarization axisbeing inclined by 45° with respect to the transporting direction of thefilm) in the direction parallel to the transporting direction of theoriginal fabric through a wire grid polarizer by using a mask where astripe pattern having a width of 500 μm was formed with chromium onsynthetic quartz. Subsequently, the film was irradiated with polarizedUV light (polarization axis being inclined by −45° with respect to thetransporting direction of the film) through a wire grid polarizer byusing no mask. At this time, a “H Bulb” (produced by Fusion UV Systems,Inc.) was used as a UV light irradiation apparatus. In addition, thewavelength of polarized UV light was set to 313 nm, and the accumulatedlight amount was set to 40 mJ/cm². The accumulated light amount wasmeasured by using a UV light intensity meter “UV-351” (produced by ORCManufacturing Co., Ltd). Through the above-described processes, thepattern alignment film according to Example 1 was obtained.

Subsequently, after the irradiation of polarized UV light, withouttaking a pause in time, the pattern alignment layer of the patternalignment film was coated with a liquid crystal material (product name:Licrivue (registered trade mark) RMS03-013C, produced by Merck)dissolved in propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PEGMEA) by usinga die coating method so that the final thickness is 1 μm. Next, heatingwas performed on a hot plate at 60° C. for 2 minutes. After cooling wasperformed down to near room temperature, UV light having a wavelength of365 nm was irradiated by using the above-mentioned UV light irradiationapparatus until the accumulated light amount was 300 mJ/cm². Through theabove-described processes, the phase difference film according toExample 1 was obtained.

Example 2

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 2 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the cured film wasretained in a sheet shape for four hours.

Example 3

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 3 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the cured film waswound around the roll and was retained for one hour without taking apause in time after the formation of the cured film and, after the curedfilm was extracted in a sheet shape, the cured film was irradiated withpolarized UV light.

Example 4

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 4 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the cured film waswound around the roll and was retained for four hours without taking apause in time after the formation of the cured film and, after the curedfilm was extracted in a sheet shape, the cured film was irradiated withpolarized UV light.

Example 5

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 5 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the cured film waswound around the roll and was retained for 10 hours without taking apause in time after the formation of the cured film and, after the curedfilm was extracted in a sheet shape, the cured film was irradiated withpolarized UV light.

Example 6

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 6 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the cured film wascontinuously web-transported and was irradiated with polarized UV lightwithout taking a pause in time after the formation of the cured film,and the film was coated with a liquid crystal material without taking apause in time after the irradiation of polarized UV light.

Example 7

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Example 7 were obtained by usingthe same method as that of Example 1 except that the substrate is a filmhaving a thickness of 40 μm which is configured with acrylic polymersthe front surface of which received antiglare treatment for haze 10%.

Comparative Example 1

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Comparative Example 1 wereobtained by using the same method as that of Example 1 except that thecured film was retained in a sheet shape for 10 hours.

Comparative Example 2

The pattern alignment layer composition, the pattern alignment film, andthe phase difference film according to Comparative Example 2 wereobtained by using the same method as that of Example 1 except that thepattern alignment layer of the pattern alignment film was coated with aliquid crystal material after four hours had elapsed after theirradiation of polarized UV light.

Evaluation of Outer Appearance

First, the outer appearance of the phase difference film according toExamples and Comparative Examples was evaluated. The evaluation of outerappearance was performed as follows. Polarizing plates (productname:HCL2-5618HCS, produced by Sanritz Corporation) were attached to twosurfaces of a phase difference film so as to be in crossed-nicolsarrangement. Next, the attached member was installed in a backlight fora liquid crystal display, and the degree of cloudiness of the frontsurface of the member was visually observed. The case where the degreeof cloudiness is low and no alignment defect is observed is set to be“good”, and the case where the degree of cloudiness is high and analignment defect is observed is set to be “bad”. The result was listedin Table 2.

In addition, the luminance was measured in the crossed-nicols state. Theluminance meter used at this time is BM-7 (produced by Topcon). Theluminance of the backlight was 1000 cd/cm², and the luminance of thepolarizing plate crossed-nicols is 0.1 cd/cm². The result was listed inTable 2.

Evaluation of Adherence

The evaluation of the phase difference layer was performed by across-cut test method regulated in the JIS K-5400 method as follows. Thephase difference layer was cut with a cutter knife by using a 100-masscross cutter guide (product name, produced by Cortec Co., Ltd.) of 10masses in the vertical direction and 10 masses in the horizontaldirection where a mass square has the size of 1 mm per mass. Cellophaneadhesive tape (Cellotape, product name, produced by Nichiban Co., Ltd.)was attached to the cut phase difference layer. After one minute fromthe time of attachment of the cellophane adhesive tape, by grasping theedge of the cellophane adhesive tape, the cellophane adhesive tape wasallowed to be at a right angle with respect to the phase differencelayer. The number of masses of the phase difference layer (the number ofmasses of the phase difference layer remaining on the pattern alignmentlayer without being peeled off from the pattern alignment layer) formedon the pattern alignment layer at the time of peeling off the cellophaneadhesive tape was measured. The average values of the number of massesof the phase difference layer formed on the pattern alignment layer whenperforming this measurement 5 times are listed in Table 2.

Evaluation of In-Plane Phase Difference and Alignment Property

The in-plane phase difference and alignment property was obtained byusing a phase difference measuring device Axostep (produced byAxometrics, Inc.) by measuring the average of Re values and thevariation of the optical axis with respect to nine measurement samples.In the specification, the variation of the optical axis is defined bythe standard deviation of the Re value. The result is listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Comparative Example Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 Outer appearanceGood Good Good Good Good Good Good Bad Bad (Degree of cloudiness)Luminance 5 7 4 6 9 5 5 11 13 (cd/cm2) Adherence 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 90 In-plane phase difference 124 110 125 126 124 125 125 20 60(Unit: nm) Variation in optical axis 0.4 0.6 0.35 0.54 0.57 0.35 0.41.14 1.22 (Unit: nm)

It was observed that the case where the exposure time of the heat-driedlayer 12′ and the pattern alignment layer 12 to air is four hours orless during the processes from the forming of the heat-dried layer 12′to the forming of the phase difference layer 13 has a higherphoto-alignment property than the case where the exposure time is morethan four hours (Examples 1 to 7).

It was observed that in the case where the exposure time was allowed toshorten by continuously performing the processes from the forming of theheat-dried layer 12′ and to the forming of the phase difference layer 13in the same production line, the exposure time was very appropriatelyfour hours or less (Example 2), more appropriately one hour or less(Examples 1 and 6).

It was observed that in the case where the exposure time was allowed toshorten by allowing the laminate to be wound around a roll to beretained after the forming of the heat-dried layer 12′ or after theforming of the phase difference layer 13, although the laminate wasretained for about 10 hours until the next process was performed, it waspossible to obtain the phase difference film having the same quality asthat of the case where the procedure proceeded to the next processwithout a pause in time. This is very appropriate in the case where (A)the coating apparatus for coating with the pattern alignment layercomposition and then (B) the apparatus used for forming the phasedifference layer containing the rod-like compound when forming thepattern alignment film do not exist in the same production line. Morespecifically, even at the time point when the phase difference layer isto be formed by operating the above-mentioned apparatus (B), otherproducts may be produced by using the apparatus, and after that, thephase difference layer may be formed. As a result, the production lineis very easy to plan, and the operation rate can be greatly improved.

On the other hand, it was observed that if the exposure time exceedsfour hours, the photo-alignment property of the patterned phasedifference film is greatly deteriorated (Comparative Examples 1 and 2).

1. A patterned phase difference film comprising: a substrate; a patternalignment layer which is formed on the substrate and in which analignment pattern is formed; and a phase difference layer which isformed on the pattern alignment layer and contains a polymerizableliquid crystal composition, wherein black luminance at an extinctionposition of polarizing plates at a crossed-nicols state is 10 cd/cm² orless.
 2. An optical laminate comprising the patterned phase differencefilm according to claim 1.